Kelly Column: School lunchtime: Think inside the boxes

By Tammy Kelly, Columnist

Published: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 06:49 PM.

The bell is ringing and that means it is “Back to School” time. Rethinking the lunch routine is a good way to get your students on the healthy eating track. The new trend in school lunch box packing actually involves lots of boxes — little, individual boxes — all inside what is called a bento box.

These are streaming from a traditional Japanese way of sending out meals which divides the food items in separate compartments. The food is kept separate from each other, thus making it safer and aiding in retaining flavor.

There are many bento boxes on the market, or you can make your own using airtight containers. By the way, these are not just for school lunches. They are great for office lunches as well.

Remember these things if choosing or building your own bento lunch box:

Use containers as leak-proof as possible

For any container you use, do a leak-test by filling it with water and shaking it around a bit. If any moisture leaks out easily, you probably want to try another box.

The bell is ringing and that means it is “Back to School” time. Rethinking the lunch routine is a good way to get your students on the healthy eating track. The new trend in school lunch box packing actually involves lots of boxes — little, individual boxes — all inside what is called a bento box.

These are streaming from a traditional Japanese way of sending out meals which divides the food items in separate compartments. The food is kept separate from each other, thus making it safer and aiding in retaining flavor.

There are many bento boxes on the market, or you can make your own using airtight containers. By the way, these are not just for school lunches. They are great for office lunches as well.

Remember these things if choosing or building your own bento lunch box:

Use containers as leak-proof as possible

For any container you use, do a leak-test by filling it with water and shaking it around a bit. If any moisture leaks out easily, you probably want to try another box.

Use containers easy to wash and maintain

Many bento boxes are not dishwasher safe, so check the label of whatever product you choose to know if hand washing is necessary.

Check container for microwave safety if you intend to nuke it

If you have access to a microwave oven at work, make sure the container is microwave safe. Many bento boxes are not, as traditionally they were created to eat food at room temperature.

Choose the right size container for your dietary needs

This is especially important if you are watching your calories to any extent. Also, for yourself and your children, keep food guidelines in mind.

There are hundreds of resources with loads of great lunch menus created in compartments, often turning your lunch creation into playful characters. Here are a few easy ones that are adult- and kid-approved.

Fun Finger Food

String cheese

6 or 8 whole grain or whole wheat crackers

1 cup broccoli and cauliflower, maybe with a small container of fat free Ranch Dressing